The inaugural major-college football playoff will include four teams picked by a selection committee. However, there are five power conferences in college football, and Southeastern Conference fans point out that in some years the SEC may have earned two of the four spots.

Not to worry, Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said confidently Wednesday. He explained that the league is in “terrific position” to be a regular participant in the playoffs because Pac-12 teams routinely play a challenging nonconference schedule.

“We know there will be continued controversy and debate,” Scott said of the playoff. “But the clear statement has been made that strength of schedule is going to be a determining factor.”

Scott pointed out that Pac-12 teams have scheduled 13 nonconference games against 2013 bowl teams. Pac-12 teams also play a nine-game conference schedule.

“Our champion will be well positioned in this first-ever, historic college football playoff,” Scott said.

Ducks soaring. Oregon was the pick to win the Pac-12 championship in the league’s annual preseason media poll, as announced Wednesday. The Ducks (North Division) were projected to defeat South Division winner UCLA in the Dec. 5 Pac-12 championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. That’s the new digs of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

Oregon went 11-2 last season but failed to reach the conference title game.

“This (preseason poll) is a good thing for the media and our fans and for everybody to talk about,” Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. “Looking back to last year, it’s a great thing for our players to kind of slap ourselves in the face and go back to the process, go back to the culture.”

Footnotes. Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre and two seniors, defensive end Juda Parker and wide receiver Nelson Spruce, will meet with print media Thursday. … Arizona and Washington are the only Pac-12 teams without returning starting quarterbacks. … The Pac-12 won 10 national championships during the 2013-14 academic year and extended its streak to nine straight years with the most national titles.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill had touchdowns receiving and on a punt return, Kansas City’s defense made life miserable for Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, and the Chiefs beat the Raiders 21-13 on a frigid Thursday night to take control of the AFC West. Charcandrick West also had a touchdown run for the Chiefs (10-3). They moved into a first-place...